07.09.17
New IT procurement framework aims to save public sector £180m
Public sector organisations have been encouraged to save millions on the cost of specialist IT expertise by buying through a new Crown Commercial Service (CCS) procurement framework.
The CCS has also confirmed that it has this week awarded its new Technology Services 2 framework, with SMEs representing more than 60% of the total numbers of suppliers signed up.
Around 100 SMEs have bid for a slice of the £3bn of government investment over the next four years, which will allow them to both grow their businesses and support public sector IT services.
In total, 160 suppliers have been awarded places on the framework, which is twice as many compared to the framework’s previous iteration, Technology Services.
The new framework will allow public sector bodies to connect with companies with particular specialisms to deliver innovative IT projects.
It is estimated that the framework will deliver more than £180m worth of savings, which can then be put back into supporting frontline services.
Niall Quinn, director of the Technology Strategic Category for the CCS, said: “This framework delivers significant commercial benefits and gives more SMEs than ever the chance to deliver specialist technology support to the UK public sector.”
The CCS also revealed that the new agreement includes an ‘agency’ element for the first time – giving public sector organisations the option to employ a supplier as an ‘agent’ to buy in further goods or services through other CCS frameworks including Technology Products 2.
The lotting structure is as follows:
- Lot 1 - Technology Strategy & Service Design
- Lot 2 - Transition and Transformation
- Lot 3 - Operational Services
- Lot 4 - Programmes and Large Projects (2 sub Lots)
4a: government Official security classification;
4b: Above government Official classification (government Secret and Top Secret classifications).
The organisation added that it is also supporting small businesses who are new to working with government with regular introductory webinars and self-help videos on CCS systems and processes.
To find out more, you can visit the Technology Services 2 webpage here.
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